No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares Recipe
These No-Bake Chocolate Peppermint Squares are a festive and creamy dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a smooth peppermint cream cheese layer, and a rich chocolate pudding topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they require no oven time and are simple to prepare ahead of time, delivering a refreshing minty and chocolaty treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Peppermint Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy cane or starlight mints
- 1 1/4 cups whipped topping
Chocolate Layer
- 1 package (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 3/4 cups milk
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping (1 tub)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and note you will need two 8 oz tubs of whipped topping or a larger 12-ounce container. You will not use all whipped topping from the larger container.
- Make Crust: Mix vanilla wafer crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan to form an even crust. Refrigerate to set while preparing other layers.
- Prepare Peppermint Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons milk together until smooth and silky. Add 1/3 cup sugar and the finely crushed peppermint candy canes or starlight mints, then beat well to combine. Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups whipped topping until incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: In a separate bowl, mix instant chocolate pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk. Beat for 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread the chocolate pudding evenly on top of the peppermint cream cheese layer. Let the dessert set for 5 to 10 minutes to slightly firm up.
- Add Final Topping: Spread the remaining 8 oz tub of whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candy cane over the top for garnish and additional peppermint flavor.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to firm up and flavors to meld together.
- Optional Freeze for Icy Treat: For a frozen dessert similar to ice cream cake, freeze the squares for 4 hours instead of refrigerating before serving.
Notes
- The dessert can be made ahead and stored refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving.
- If desired, use gluten-free vanilla wafers to make the crust gluten free.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the crushed candy canes slightly.
- The squares can be cut and served chilled or frozen for a chilly treat.
- Use fresh whipped topping for best texture; thaw frozen whipped topping fully if using.
Keywords: no-bake dessert, peppermint chocolate, holiday dessert, chocolate peppermint squares, easy festive dessert
